To some, bears can be scary. To trainer Doug Seus, they are "like family."

"I was never fearful of them but was always fascinated by them," Seus says of the bears he trains. "Teaching an animal patience, as well as bringing forth the warmness and camaraderie, these are my passions."

"They are able to adapt to whatever human personality that they are bonded with," Rogers said. "The more trusting bears are of a person, the less prone they are to react defensively."

Seus sees the process of teaching bears as simple because of their intelligence. He starts bonding and training the cubs in a small environment before they turn 6 months old. This makes it easier to build a rapport with them on and off the set .

Doug Seus and his wife, Lynne, train bears and other animals for film, television and other productions through their facility, Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife. It was established in 1973.(Photo: Jim White, The Vital Ground Foundation)

Seus emphasized that the layout of the set is critical. "Set design, prop design and all of that stuff is really important," he said. "It's imperative that you give them security."

Some animal rights activists raise concerns about conditions on set; however, Seus says he uses positive reinforcement — with treats — during training.